The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

What is a familiar query letter...


Listen Later

In this episode of Books with Hooks, literary agents Carly and CeCe return with insightful feedback on query letters, focusing on commercial women’s fiction and book club fiction. They celebrate Bianca’s exciting book launch and dive deep into the craft of storytelling—discussing character development, emotional resonance, and the vital role of originality in fiction. This episode also highlights the importance of clearly conveying conflict and stakes in query letters, offering practical tips for writers looking to capture an agent’s attention.

Don’t miss this powerful reading from ‘Let Us Play.’ Harrison Brown opens up about his remarkable journey from competing as a female athlete to living authentically as a transgender man. Through his story, he sheds light on the emotional and physical complexities of transitioning, the hurdles trans athletes face in sports, and the ongoing evolution of inclusion policies. With honesty and courage, Harrison explores the vital role of advocacy, visibility, and compassion in creating a more equitable athletic world.

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly and CeCe on this podcast are solely that of them as podcast co-hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of P.S. Literary Agency.

Find us on our socials:

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_shit_about_writing https://www.threads.net/@biancamarais_author

https://www.threads.net/@carlywatters https://www.threads.net/@cece_lyra_agent

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/

https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ https://www.instagram.com/carlywatters/ https://www.instagram.com/cece_lyra_agent/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TSNOTYAW

Websites: www.theshitaboutwriting.comwww.biancamarais.comwww.carlywatters.com and www.cecilialyra.com

Bookshop.org affiliate page: https://bookshop.org/shop/theshitnoonetellsyouaboutwriting

To submit a question for the show, go to https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/submit-a-question.html

To subscribe to our Substack newsletter, go to https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/about



Our Sponsors:
* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com
* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code TSNOTYAW for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Shit No One Tells You About WritingBy Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

740 ratings


More shows like The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

View all
The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers by Joanna Penn

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

605 Listeners

Helping Writers Become Authors by K.M. Weiland

Helping Writers Become Authors

993 Listeners

Otherppl with Brad Listi by Brad Listi

Otherppl with Brad Listi

519 Listeners

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience by Kelton Reid

The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience

214 Listeners

Writing Excuses by Mary Robinette Kowal, DongWon Song, Erin Roberts, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler

Writing Excuses

1,285 Listeners

10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

10% Happier with Dan Harris

12,576 Listeners

The Manuscript Academy by #MSWL

The Manuscript Academy

295 Listeners

Writer's Routine by Dan Simpson

Writer's Routine

306 Listeners

Fated Mates - Romance Books for Novel People by Fated Mates

Fated Mates - Romance Books for Novel People

864 Listeners

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips by Savannah Gilbo

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

1,432 Listeners

NPR's Book of the Day by NPR

NPR's Book of the Day

610 Listeners

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel by James Thayer

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

355 Listeners

Writers on Writing by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett and Marrie Stone

Writers on Writing

73 Listeners

Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus by Lemonada Media

Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

10,602 Listeners

PLOT TWIST by Soman Chainani and Victoria Aveyard

PLOT TWIST

14 Listeners